Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Greg Biffle hurt in test, Kyle Busch comes to the rescue

[wrv01]

Biffle to miss Busch gala after Vegas test crash
The Associated Press
December 8, 2006
06:45 PM EST (23:45 GMT)


LAS VEGAS -- Greg Biffle will not attend the Busch Series Awards Banquet on Friday in Orlando, Fla., and instead will remain at his Mooresville, N.C. home to care for injuries sustained in an earlier test crash.

"During a tire test this week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway I cut a right-front tire and made heavy contact with the wall," Biffle said. "As a result of the incident, I dislocated my shoulder and have been advised by my doctors to remain in Mooresville [on Friday] for further assessment of the injury. It is for that reason that I will be unable to attend this year's NASCAR Busch Series Banquet."

"I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to NASCAR, the Busch Series and Ameriquest for my absence. It was a privilege and a great pleasure for me to continue to be a competitor for Roush Racing, Ameriquest, Brewco Motorsports and Ford Motor Company in NASCAR's Busch Series this season. I love racing in the Busch Series and I plan to continue to do so for many years."

The fiery crash happened Thursday, as Biffle was helped from his burning car by Kyle Busch. The two drivers were helping Goodyear test tires on the remodeled speedway when Biffle blew a tire, causing him to hit the wall between the first and second turns. The accident broke the fuel pump and caused his Ford to burst into flames.

Busch, who was trailing Biffle at the time of the accident, jumped from his car and helped Biffle to safety.

Although Biffle was uninjured, he did not continue the session.

"That was a really hard hit and we lost a good car, but I'm OK," Biffle said.

A track spokesman said Biffle was released from the care center, and left the racetrack driving his own car.

Biffle was scheduled to attend the Busch Series banquet at Walt Disney World on Friday evening, but the driver flew home to North Carolina.

Goodyear tested tires Wednesday and Thursday at Las Vegas, which added 20 degrees of banking this year. The tire company must find the correct compound to bring to a NASCAR-sanctioned test at the track in late January, and the Nextel Cup event there in March.

Busch completed the test and said he liked the track alterations.

"There are a lot of neat characteristics to the track," said Busch, a Las Vegas native. "It's still pretty wide and a great racing surface. It's wide enough that we'll be able to run two and three wide. The transitions from the corner to the straightaways and then the straightaways to the corners are awesome."

[kc_royals_fan_5]

Good to hear that he's ok.